Some of our poets have dedicated beautiful verses on the tresses of their paramours....
HEALTHWISE
We humans are generally obsessed with our hair. We spend thousands of rupees a year on hair care products, we spend God only knows how much time working on it on a daily basis; we can’t pass by a mirror without checking out our hair, and taming it to our satisfaction if we find something amiss. Some of our poets have dedicated beautiful verses on the tresses of their paramours.
Even when we aren’t standing in front of a mirror consciously styling it, we just cannot resist running our fingers through our luscious locks. Personally, I really don’t find anything wrong with this obsession, within limits, of course.
You really cannot look good if your hair is a mess and let’s face it: when you look good, you feel good. What I really find wrong, however, is subjecting it to all the products that we just can’t help subjecting it to because all chemicals have a side effect and hair products are no different. A hair product that could, on excessive use, really cause you trouble is hair dye.
There was a time when it was only the older, self-conscious people who were part of the Kala Kola crowd. But now, times have changed. For starters, it’s not just Kala Kola available in the market; various types of new dyes that have sprung up in the market are too many to count. And secondly, it’s not just the older generation now - everybody has joined the dyeing brigade. It could be in the name of experimentation, or it could be just because you don’t like your hair colour, but here is what’s wrong with it: dyeing hair frequently makes you end up with brittle and dry hair, the kind that lacks shine. And, if you are using other chemicals such as hair relaxers with it, it could very easily break and split. Over processed hair tend to do that.
Also, a problem that some people face is allergies. Now these allergies could be mild skin and eye irritation or they could be in the anaphylactic shock category – something that can basically kill … in a very short period of time. In fact, there are many chemicals like resorcinol, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that cause quite a bit of damage to your hair and skin. For women who work in hair salons, the fumes from hair dyes present a very real risk of developing asthma.
Types of hair dyes
Permanent hair dyes: They penetrate through the hair shaft, reaching the cortex. They need to be touched up at least once every twelve weeks. Most permanent dyes use ammonia to penetrate the hair shaft and increase the pH level.
Semi-permanent hair dyes: They coat the hair shaft cuticle while partially penetrating the cortex.
Temporary hair dyes: They don’t penetrate the hair cortex and need to be touched up every few weeks.
Bleach: It is used to lighten hair and colour dark hair like black and brown to lighter hair colours like blonde or red.
Ammonia-free hair dyes: They are also called demi-permanent hair dyes. They don’t contain ammonia but include hydrogen peroxide, para-dyes and resorcinol. These are softer on the hair.
Ammonia free hair dyes are composed of monoethanoloamine. This is less damaging than ammonia but the excessive use of it can still cause hair damage.
A semi-permanent dye is not as damaging as a permanent hair dye since it merely coats the hair with colours. It is free of peroxide and ammonia and does not bleach the natural pigments of your hair. However, semi-permanent hair dye has its cons: you will only be able to darken the hair colour and not lighten it with semi-permanent hair dyes. The colour will fade after a few shampoo washes and requires frequent reapplication.
What to do
* Use a deep conditioner. Try to use ones that are specifically for dyed hair. They not only protect your hair from damage, they also maintain your colour.
* Dye as infrequently as possible. Also, try to dye the roots instead of the entire length, so that you have to dye as less as possible.
* Avoid any contact with the skin. When applying the dye, always use gloves, avoid contact with the skin, and rubbing it into the scalp as much as possible.
* Make sure you apply the dye in an area which is well ventilated so that the fumes don’t irritate your respiratory passage that much. This one is more for hair stylists, people who are exposed to dyes way more than regular people.
* Try going for lighter shades. Very dark colours have more lead in them which is extremely toxic.
* Always try and do a patch test. That is applying the dye on a small area of the skin and waiting to check for a reaction. Especially, if you are the kind that develops allergies easily.
Use deep hydrating products
Hair dyes can deplete the natural moisture levels of your hair. Choose deeply hydrating products, such as conditioners and hair masks, that seal the natural hair moisture and help combat hair colour damage. Moisturized hair can retain the colour better, making it last longer. Also, a hair spa treatment every 15 days can help keep your coloured hair strong and healthy.
Opt for colour-safe products
Products meant specially for dyed hair prevent the hair colour from fading and help prolong its life. They are usually sulphate-free and do not strip the essential moisture from your hair. Special shampoos, conditioners, serums and hairsprays are available in the market for different types of hair dyes and shades. Choose one that matches your hair type and colour for best results.
A much better alternative is to go the natural route and apply henna. Remember, natural products will always be better for your health in the long run, as they do not cause any damage to your hair and skin. Try mixing powdered seekakai and amla with henna and apply it to your hair, you will be amazed at the result.
So, folks, try and remember these tips while dyeing. If you can, stop dyeing altogether. You might not like your natural colour, but it’s always going to work best for you. If the greys are really irking you, follow the tips mentioned above and try to reduce the damage as much as possible.
Your hair is precious handle it with care.
